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YORKTOWN, N.Y. – More than 12 tons of litter would line Yorktown streets and neighborhoods if it weren't for a dedicated group of volunteers who are set to go to war against trash for the 25th time next Saturday.

The 25th annual “Battle of Yorktown,” in which hundreds of residents volunteer to pick up trash around town, is set for April 20 as part of an Earth Day celebration. Last year, more than 675 volunteers in 110 groups picked up more than
12.26 tons of roadside litter
, organizers said. That’s enough trash to weigh more than an 84-passenger bus.

"It is a real affirmation of how much this community cares about their town and keeping it clean,” said Kim Angliss-Gage, recycling coordinator for the Town of Yorktown. “We have some groups who have done this for all 25 years and they are really amazing people who dedicate themselves to this.”

Despite the group’s efforts last year, more trash continues to line town streets and is scattered throughout neighborhoods, Angliss-Gage said.

“There is still tons more out there,” she said. “But I think we’ll rally the troops again this year, and we could have our biggest group ever out there fighting to clean up our streets.”

Without the program, it’s possible that hundreds of tons of trash and litter could still be covering the town, Angliss-Gage said.

“If we didn’t have the people doing this, we’d be sitting around with more than 300 tons of roadside litter,” she said. “It’s really crazy. Unfortunately, we don’t have the staff that could stay on top of this so we depend on our volunteers. This town looks good because of their efforts last year and after next Saturday, it’s going to look even better.”

Those looking for more information or to volunteer are asked to call Yorktown’s Refuse & Recycling Department at 914-245-4438. Residents can also visit
the town’s website
to learn more about the annual event.